Resources for Writers

Agents

• First, to answer many FAQs about sending to agents, please read this: Writers’ Workshop (UK)
• Agent Interview: Nat Sobel

Warnings

Make sure your potential agent is an AAR member (Association of Authors’ Representatives) and does not charge a fee. If you’re uncertain about a particular agency, do a Google search and check on both the Web and Groups index, or check them out at

• “Preditors and Editors”
• Writers Beware
• What to Look For in an Agent
• Warning: Agents/Publishers NOT Recommended

Directories

The following are comprehensive online resources. Also check out Writer’s Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents, 2002-2003.

• Association of Authors’ Representatives
• Authorlink
• Directory of Published Writers, Literary Agents, Editors, and Publishers
• Guide to Literary Agents
• Literary Agents Directory
• Literary Marketplace

Tips for Writing Queries, Proposals, and Synopses

Always follow the specific guidelines for formatting these materials provided by the agent (typically found on the agent’s or publisher’s Web site).

• Cover Letter Tips
• How to Write a Synopsis
• Writing a Synopsis
• Query Letters
• Query Letter and Synopsis Format and Sample
• Excellent actual query letters
• Tips from an Agent
• 20 Valuable Tips to Getting Published

Writing Contests

Short Fiction Contests

• Bella Online
• Writers-Editors

Literary Magazines

• An Index of Literary Magazines
• Granta
• Ploughshares, the literary journal
• TriQuarterly

Book Reviews

• Atlantic Monthly
• Boston Book Review
• Los Angeles Times Book Review
• New York Times Book Review
• New York Review of Books
• Publishers Weekly

Self-Publishing

• The Economics of Publishing Your Book
• Top Independent Book Publishers

Guides and Directories for Writers

• 2004 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
• Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, & Literary Agents
• Literary Agents: The Essential Guide for Writers
• Poets and Writers, Inc.
• Writer’s Market
• Writer’s Digest Magazine

Author Interviews

• Powells.com

Writing Instruction

Children's Books

• Children's Book Genres
• Writing Picture Books
• More Children’s Book Genres
• Resources about Agents

Reading Lists

• The Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels
• The New York Public Library Books of the Century